Mariazell is a small, ancient town located in the great Salza Valley in the heart of the Styrian Alps. In the center of the town stands an impressive church that serves as the most important pilgrimage site in Austria, attracting many visitors from all over Austria and neighboring countries.
The Mariazell Basilica
The ancient church in the heart of the town is called the Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary (Basilica Mariä Geburt). The original church was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, but due to a large fire, the ancient structure was destroyed and required extensive renovation. In place of the Gothic structure, the church was rebuilt, this time in the Baroque style of the 17th century. The new church was more impressive and much larger than the original. The new structure included two tall towers built next to the surviving Gothic tower, as well as a large and spacious prayer hall.
At the entrance, two large statues of the region’s kings were placed. Inside the church hall, 12 chapels with ornate altars were built. In one of the chapels, there is a tiny wooden statue (only 48 centimeters high) of the Virgin Mary called “Magna Mater Austriae” (Great Mother of Austria). The small statue is considered to be a miracle worker, which is why people from all over the region come to the church.
The beautiful Mariazell area:
A Local Tip – The Famous Gingerbread of Mariazell
Besides the important church, there is another place in town that is a “pilgrimage” destination. This is the local Pirker Bakery, which has specialized in gingerbread cakes and cookies for over 170 years. In the small town, there are two branches of this bakery within a short walking distance of each other. The new branch is the factory store, where there are discounted cookies and an experiential visitor center for children. The original shop is a few minutes’ walk from the church, where you can sit down for lunch and taste a variety of desserts.
We tried several gingerbread cakes there, and in our opinion, the nougat-coated gingerbread cake is the best. If you’re not sure about gingerbread, you can buy a small package to taste.
Official website of the Pirker Bakery
Mariazeller Bürgeralpe
North of the town are several impressive and high mountains that are used for sports and leisure activities in winter and summer. The main cable car is right in the heart of the town, so you can easily reach the mountain peak after a short tour of Mariazell. (Link to the official website of the cable car for current prices and opening hours).
The ski resort on these mountain peaks is considered popular among locals and is particularly suitable for beginner skiers. There are 7 ski slopes with a total length of 10 kilometers and 8 cable cars that allow for easy access to the peaks.
In the summer, the area turns green and blossoms, offering a variety of water activities and hiking on the mountain peaks. The main summer attraction at the top of the Mariazell mountains is the Erlebniswelt Holzknechtland adventure park for children, which has various water activities and even the possibility of wakeboarding on the small alpine lake.
Family-friendly hiking trail – The Three Lakes Trail: A light trail of about 45 minutes starts right from the cable car station. Along this route, there are several viewpoints overlooking the lakes in the area. The most beautiful viewpoint of the three is the one overlooking Lake Erlaufsee.
From the top of the mountain, there is a spectacular view of the entire region!
Marienwasserfall (Mary’s Waterfall)
West of Mariazell, there is a beautiful and accessible waterfall. The waterfall is located behind the hotel “Zum Marienwasserfall” in the village of Grünau. Next to the waterfall, there is a small wooden bridge that allows for a beautiful view. This is a nice and easy walk if you are in the area.
Address: In der Grünau 2, 8630 Grünau
Map:
Lake Erlaufsee
North of the town, there is an impressive alpine lake at an altitude of 827 meters above sea level. The lake is actually divided between the state of Styria and the state of Lower Austria, and there are many bathing beaches around it. The lake’s water is extremely clear, and you can see clearly up to a depth of 20 meters. Besides swimming, you can rent electric/pedal/rowing boats on the lake, dive, surf, and even fish (a special permit from the local municipality is required).
In the cold winters, the lake’s water freezes, and you can try ice skating along the lake (at your own risk, it can be dangerous if you are not experienced).
Gemeindealpe Mountain – Mountain Cart Descent
Northwest of Mariazell and Lake Erlaufsee, in the area of the town Mitterbach am Erlaufsee, is the Gemeindealpe peak. Two open cable cars regularly lead from the foot of the mountain to its summit at an altitude of 1626 meters above sea level. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire area.
After exiting the upper cable car station, you can choose from many hiking trails, all well-marked. The ideal trail for families with children starts from the Terzerhaus restaurant at the top of the mountain. From there, you can walk along an 800-meter paved path that is also suitable for strollers. This circular path surrounds the peak, and along it, you can overlook the entire area. After the walk, you can sit and relax in the restaurant while the children play in the playground.
Besides hiking, there is a very fun attraction for adrenaline lovers: descending the mountain in mountain carts. The Gemeindealpe has the largest fleet of mountain carts in the world, with 145 vehicles. The riding track starts from the middle station of the cable car and is 4.5 kilometers long on a dirt road. The mountain cart is not motorized; it is actually a low tricycle with massive wheels. Each rider receives a helmet and a short briefing before setting off.
See the experience for yourself:
Operating Hours for the Cable Car and Mountain Cart Descent:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last ascent at 4:30 PM. Last descent with mountain carts at 4:45 PM.
- May 10th to May 25th: Saturdays and Sundays.
- May 28th to June 9th: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- June 11th to September 9th: Every day.
- September 10th to September 21st: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- September 27th to October 19th: Saturdays and Sundays.
- October 25th to November 2nd: Every day.
Please note: The cable car does not operate in stormy weather.
Additional Essential Information for Visiting the Mariazell Area
- Official website of the town of Mariazell
- Official website of the ski and nature area
- Official website of Lake Erlaufsee
- Official website of the Gemeindealpe peak
Parking:
The town of Mariazell is usually very busy with many visitors. Therefore, there are several organized parking lots at its entrance. A ticket for 3 hours costs about €4, and a daily ticket costs about €9.
Getting there by public transport:
If you are traveling in Vienna and want to see Mariazell in an experiential and hassle-free way, you can take the train called the Mariazellerbahn. The train departs from the station in the city of St. Pölten, which can be easily reached by train from Vienna. On several dates throughout the year, the new train is replaced by an old steam train, just like in the old days. Information about the train and ticket prices.
Address: Mariazell
